FIAT 500X Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls β NHTSA Data
Comparing used FIAT 500X options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017β2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact FIAT 500X you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the FIAT 500X has 33 owner complaints and 9 safety recalls across model years 2017β2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2020 drew the fewest.
- Make
- FIAT
- Model
- 500X
- Model years analyzed
- 2017β2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 33
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (15 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2020 (2 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Average
FIAT 500X: Which Years to Avoid & Which to Buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used β lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β lower risk starting points.
β NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
AverageThe FIAT 500X has 33 NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. 1 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 33 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 9 federal recall campaigns
- 1 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
π NHTSA Safety Recalls
9 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017β2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
π§ Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 33 NHTSA complaints.
π NHTSA Complaint Reports
33 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
I have an open recall related to the activation system for the airbags. I have not had an event related to the recall at this time, however I am stationed in South Korea as an active duty member. My car is with me in South Korea, and there are no Fiat dealerships in country. I am set for a permanent change of station to Suffolk England, where there are Fiat dealerships in country. The shipper will not take the car with an open recall without a letter from Fiat advising that the recall cannot be addressed at this time due to the lack of dealerships in the country. I have contacted Fiat multiple times and have had case numbers assigned ([XXX]and [XXX]) without any attempts by Fiat made to respond. The recall cannot be addressed while I am in Korea, so without a letter, Fiat is essentially making it impossible for the recall to be addressed. I have spent the last 5 weeks trying to get someone to give me guidance on the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
DE EL MAP SENSOR. _SE PRO7EDIO A REEMPLAZAR EL MAP SENSOR. CODIGO VOLVIO A PRESENTARSE. DIAGNOST7CO INDICA QUE SI EL CODIGO VULVE REEMPLAZAR EL THROTTLE. SE PR~CEDIO . REEMPLAZAR EL THRTTLE DE LA UNIDAD. SE PROCEDIO A CORRER UNIDAD. UNIDAD NO VOLVIO A PRESENTAR CONDICION. UNIDAD PREPARADA **************************************************** D GENERAL CONCERN #3 [CI UNIDAD LE PRENDIO AVISO DE DRIVE MODE UNAVALIBLE] VE VER COMENTARIOS POR EL TECNICO 3024 CPF . 0.00 REFERENTE A LA LINEA #C UNIDAD PREPARADA. **************************************************** E** COURTESY LOANER CAR, SE ORIENTO AL CLIENTE SOBRE LOS TERMINOS, CONDICIONES Y RESPONSABILIDAD. UNA VEZ LISTO SU VEHICULO DEVOLVERA LA UNIDAD EN UN TERMINO MAXIMO DEL PROXIMO DIALABORABLE LUEGO DE LA NOTIFICACION. SE BRINDO AUTO DE CORTESIA FIAT S00X GP335561 GRACIAS AL DEPT DE VENTAS FIAT ALFA ROMEO DE SAN JUAN. CAUSE: LOANER AGREEMENT OK. LOANER COURTESY LOANER CAR, SE ORIENTO AL CLIENTE SOBRE LOS TERMINOS, CONDICIONES Y RESPONSABILIDAD. UNA VEZ LISTO SU VEHICULO DEVOLVERA LA UNIDAD EN UN TERMINO MAXIMO DEL PROXIMO DIA LABORABLE LUEGO DE LA NOTIFICACION. 3024 CPF *************************** ************************* ON BEHALF OF SEAVICING OEALEA, 1 HEAEBV CEATIFY THAT THE STATEMENT OF OISCLAIMEA INFOAMATION CONTAINEO HEAEON IS ACCUAATE UNLESS OTHEAWISE THE TACTORY WARRANTY CONSTITUTN ALI SHOWN. SERVICES DESCAIBEO WEAE PEAFOAMEO AT NO CHAAGE TO OT THE WARRANTLES WITH RESPECT TO OWNEA. THEAE WAS NO INOICATION FAOM THE APPEARANCE OF THE THE SALE OT THLS LT1M~T1M1. THE SELIER HEREBY EX~ESSLY DISCLALMS ALI VEHICLE OR OTHEAWISE, THAT ANY PART REPAIREO OA REPLACEO WARRANTLES EIT R EXPRW OR UNOER THIS CLAIM HAO BEEN CONNECTEO IN ANY WAY WITH ANY LMPLLED, LNCLUDLNG ANY LMPLIED ACCIOENT, NEGLIGENCE
See attached document for complaint.
On multiple occasions, my 2022 Fiat, while cruising at 55 mph, crests a hill and begins down when the engine increases from 2000 rpm to 4200 rpm and speed increases 9-10 mph almost immediately. A driver is caught unaware and must brake back to the normal speed limit. No other vehicle Iβve driven has done this and no current vehicle I own does this. Unless braking occurs, a driver could easily hit a vehicle in front, if any. Stellantis/Chrysler says this is normal although no other Chrysler vehicle I own does it. The dealer can not find a fault although something they did on the first service visit made it worse. I have two videos of separate instances.
THE PROBLEM STARTED WHEN I STARTED THE CAR FOR THE FIRST TIME IT WAS SHOWING A WARNING WITH THE SECURITY SYSTEM OF THE CAR, WHEN I GO TO THE GAS STATION I TRIED TO PUMP GAS AND THE PUMP STOPS PUMPING AND THE CAR WON'T TAKE THE GAS, THROWING IT OUTSIDE, AND SPILLING GAS ON THE FLOOR OF THE GAS STATION AND SPILLING IN MY CLOTHES. TO FILL THE TANK TOOK MY MORE THAN 10 MINUTES TO FIILL IT COMPLETELY, THIS SITUATION WILL CONTINUE TO OCCUR EVERYTIME I WILL FILL THE TANK IF IT WAS LOWER THAN HALF SO AFTER THAT I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DO AN INSPECTION. WHEN THE MECHANICAL CHIEF SAW THE WARNING ON THE CAR HE ASK ME WHEN DID THE CAR STARTED TO SHOW THE WARNING, AND AFTER A FEW WEEKS, THE DEALERSHIP CALLS ME AND TELLS ME THAT THE CAR HAD A FAULTY IN THE ROOF WELDING AND IT WAS LEAKING WATER AND THIS DAMAGE ON OF THE SENSORS IN THE CAR. THEY TOOK THE CAR BACK FOR A MONTH AND THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH THE ROOF BUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE GAS CONTINUED. WHEN I TRIED PUMPING GAS IT KEEP DOING THE SAME THING SPILLING GAS, SO I TAKE THE CAR AGAIN TO THE DEALER, AND ONE OF THE EMPLOYEES COMES WITH ME TO SEE THE PROBLEM WHEN THE CARS WON'T TKE GAS AND STARTS SPILLING IT, THE EMPLOYEE CERTIFIED THAT THE CAR HAD A PROBLEM WHEN PUMPING GAS, THEY PROCEED TO DO A SRIES OF TEST, THEY DETERMINED THAT THE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE GAS TANK, THEY SEND THE GAS TANK BACK TO THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEN THEY DIDN'T HAD THE ANOTHER SPARE TANK BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAD THE MATERIAL TO MAKE A NEW ONE. AFTER A FEW MONTHS AFTER A FEW PHONE CALLS THEY TELL ME THAT IT WOULD TAKE THEM UP TO THREE MONTHS FOR THEM TO GET A NEW GAS TANK, THEY TIRED USING ANOTHER VEHICLE TANK TO INSTALLED ON MINE BUT IT WAS USED, THAT DIDN'T FIXED THE PROBLEM, THE CAR CONTINUES SHOWING OTHER FAULTY THINGS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, TRACTION CONTROL WONT WORK, THE DEALER HAD THE CAR FOR MONTHS FOR TESTING IT HAS BEEN 3 MONTHS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FIAT 500X. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, GASOLINE SPILLED OUT ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FIAT & ALFA ROMEO DE SAN JUAN LOCATED AT ACUARELA 59 - MARGINAL MARTNEZ NADAL, URB, MUOZ RIVERA, 00969, PUERTO RICO, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. INVALID VIN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FIAT 500X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED OUT OF DRIVE AND INTO NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND RE-SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND CONTINUED DRIVING. AFTER ARRIVING TO HER DESTINATION, SHE ATTEMPTED TO PARK AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT APPLIED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE FRONT BUMPER DETACHED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. A LOCAL DEALER (DEALER INFORMATION WAS UNKNOWN) WAS EMAILED TO REQUEST A TOW. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,700. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Driver side door handle broken. Started sticking and being hard to pull/open and when open would stick in the out position and not latch shut unless pushed back in. Soon after it broke, suspected handle hinge malfunction, cannot be opened from the outside. Multiple other complaints about door handles on 500βs. Requires using passenger door to enter vehicle or leaving driver side window down to open from interior handle. Huge safety concern.
THE Transmission Valve Body Solenoid was diagnosed as not working. while i was driving on the highway without any indication the car just started slowing down . There was not a warning or anything, then the transmission service lights up, i had to have my car towed to a dealership however they informed me that there was never any service they were supposed to do on my transmission because of the type of vehicle i have. this part is expensive and not easily obtainable. car is still showing transmission issue.
I purchased my 2018 Fiat 500X POP used in April 2023 with only 22k miles. This past weekend 12/16 when I would first start my car up and get ready to leave in the mornings after having been parked for the night, my car would start up normal and I could proceed down the street. The minute I apply the break my car would lose power, stall out or shut off completely. I would press the start button, release the break, shift the gear to drive and proceed forward. I would go about 20 mph as I was driving in a residential area then my car would stall out and shut off again leaving stuck in the roadway. I repeated the start process to pull over to a safe location. I called the dealer and they said there are no recalls for this issue, however, I located one, but my VIN is not coming back as one of the affected vehicles. This is extremely dangerous as I live in an area with freeways as the only way to get to certain areas and cannot have this vehicle shutdown on freeways because it could result in a bad accident. I am looking for any assistance I can receive from this complaint. Fiat is not helpful, and the closest dealer is 2hrs from my residence.
There is an active recall for the power train control module for this car but it is not showing up in the NHTSA list. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RCRIT-18V524-1313.pdf identifies the specific recall for the powertrain control module for the Fiat 500X https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/FIAT/500X/SUV/2WD#recalls lists the recalls done for the vehicle and it does not list the powertrain control module recall issue. We just bought this car from CARMAX and looks like this campaign recall fix was not listed on the site so they didn't address it and now the car wont work or run. If the recall was listed by the VIN they would have been required to fix before selling.
I purchased my vehicle in 2020. I was not aware there was an open recall on this vehicle for an oil consumption issue. The dealer did not tell me and I received no notice from Fiat/Chrysler over the next two years. I began having a problem with the engine cutting out as I was driving down the road without any warning. There were no low oil or engine lights coming on to let me know there was a problem. My car was literally stopping on the road as I was driving! The potential for disaster was high! Fortunately we were able to get the car to the dealer without incident. We actually found out about the recall through our own investigation. The car was 3.5 quarts low and has since had two oil consumption tests that were supposed to "fix" the problem. It is now July 2023 and am still dealing with the car burning oil at a rate of about 1.5 quarts every 1500 miles. I have a 2018 Fiat 500X with less than 40,000 miles on the engine. Currently my dealership and I are trying to get Fiat/Chrysler to replace my engine . They have agreed that under the extended warranty afforded to me through the class action lawsuit filed against them over this that I am eligible for this to repair damage done. Unfortunately we are having issues getting authorization for an engine to be ordered..a lot of bureaucracy! The whole process has been infuriating..and I do think that my safety as a driver has been compromised. Thank you.
Car continuously throttled while driving on highway and road with no warnings. Vehicle electric components like radio and parking camera would shut off and not come back on without warning or while using camera. Car now gives warnings of vehicle temperature too high
2021 Car failed RECALL OIL CONSUMPTION test twice at local dealership. Sept 2021 dealership said replaced a part. Oct 2021, when leaving a gas station car would not start, dashboard was flashing symbols and died, would not start, after 1/2 hr car bucked to house 6 blocks away. Yes car is available for inspection. Feb 2022 car died twice in middle of busy street with a 18wheeler almost ramming me in back, oil symbol briefly flashed then car died, couldn't even pull over to side, very frightening experience for at 73 yrs old. After 1/2 hr or so was able to return home, next day drove to dealership they said no oil in car, tapped it off, but I had just got an oil change and driven only 1798 miles. Problem has been confirmed and test done 3 times to qualify for motor replacement. OIL Warning Lamp does not stay on, only a brief flash. 3 Fail tests but has not been included in RECALL OIL CONSUMPTION.
I contact Chrysler Corp regarding the NHTSA recall notice and provided corporate with the recall notice number and was told that the recall was not applicable to my Fiat 500x. However corporate asked where the vehicle was being serviced. When The service was completed the statement from the dealership indicated that the NHTSA recall had been completed. Additionally I purchased the vehicle new in April 2018 and did not receive the Aug 2018 recall notice. While i was merging into the turning lane my car slowed itself down and then just stopped at the time my car was still able to run but i was not able to shift the gear and put it into neutral at the time the police officer showed up to help us move the car onto the side we had to push the car because we were still unable to move the gear shift then the tow driver arrived and after lots of difficulty was barely able to shift the gear but at that time was able to put the gear in neutral and even while in neutral my car would not move once we got to the dealership and let the dealership put oil into the car because we were told that could be the possible issue though we this was on Thursday and on Friday we received a call from the dealership explaining to us that it was not an oil issue but a mechanical one skip to Saturday we go to the dealership to meet with the tow so we can get the car to a fiat dealership but once on we were unable to turn the car off as everything was not functional on the car including the lock and unlock system i was not able to press down on the break it was lock and every warning within the fiat guide book flashed and i was unable to turn the car off this was the same result for others who had tried as well My engine locked in the merge lane
WE HAD SEVERAL INSTANCES WERE THE CAR BUCKS WHEN TRANSMISSION SHIFTS. WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AND UPDATES WERE MADE AND HAD NO ISSUES UNTIL AGAIN IT HAS STARTED AGAIN. NOT ALL THE TIME BUT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. AT SUNSET NOW BUT UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST ISSUE WE HAVE HAD. FIRST IT WAS THE FUEL TANK
FULL SPEED FORWARD COLLISION WARNING PLUS DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. WARNING AND BREAKS NEVER ACTIVATE EVEN IF 1 FOOT FROM CAR IN FRONT.*DT
AFTER 10,000 MILES THESE ISSUES STARTED TO OCCUR. WE WERE QUOTED THE ENGINE EXPERIENCED THESE ISSUES DUE TO THE ENGINE BURNING OIL. THE CAR SPUTTERS, IT IS SLUGGISH, WHILE DRIVING IT LOSES POWER AND IS SLOW TO PICK UP OR DOESN'T PICK UP AT ALL. WE SLOWED DOWN DRAMATICALLY WHILE DOING 60 ON THE HIGHWAY.. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED US TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. VERY DANGEROUS.
I received a customer satisfaction notification from FCA US LLC stating they were recommending some improvements on my 2017 Fiat 500X equipped with a 2.4L engine. They had determined that some vehicles may have been consuming more oil than usual. We had noticed our car running low on oil between oil changes so we took it to our local Fiat dealer with the letter and they stated it wasn't coming up in their system so they couldn't run the test for us. We contacted Fiat directly and they stated the same thing. We did receive a letter so I don't understand what the issue is. My daughter drives the car and now I feel it's a safety issue for her. I wrote a letter to the FCA and have not yet received a response. I need help with this issue and running out of resources to help.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The component that failed is the RFHM module in the rear driver side wheel well of the car. Due to water leaking into the car, the RFHM module is taking on water damage causing several electrical systems to fail including power steering, airbags, and starter. Both current RFHM and previously damaged RFHM module are available I believe. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - As the car takes on water, the module fills internally with water as well. When this happens, several components of the car begin to go haywire including security, power steering, airbags, and other electronic readers. When this happens going down the road, my car has and can potentially shut itself off which is very dangerous going down a highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - I first diagnosed what was going on through with my car through other online forums of people experiencing the same problems. I took my vehicle to my mechanic where he ordered a new RFHM Module and had a mobile locksmith acquire a new key. The locksmith was able to program one old key and one new key with the new module and the car was good to go again. Now, six months later, the same issue is happening with the same piece of equipment. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - I have not pursued this yet but will be in touch with the manufacturer tomorrow. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - There is no way to know when the car will work or when it won't after it rains or after a car wash. The symptoms come on suddenly and take time to dry out to be useable again.
Showing 20 of 33 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact FIAT 500X
These pages show model-year patterns across 10years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
π Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FIAT 500X has 33 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The FIAT 500X has 9 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 1 of the FIAT 500X's 33 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all FIAT 500X vehicles on the road β not any specific car. Two FIAT 500X vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The FIAT 500X has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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